The Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta Alumni Association, Abuja chapter, on Wednesday donated toiletries and other hygiene items to inmates in the Nigerian Correctional Service, Suleja Custodial Centre.

The association also facilitated the release of Muhammad Kalifa, Daniel John, Franklin Prince, Abdullahi Hussein, Hosea Adams and Bello Ismail, all male inmates of the custodial centre.

Chairman of the association, Olasunkanmi Oladokun, who led other members of the association to the centre, said the visit was aimed at giving hope to the inmates.

“We have always visited orphanages and IDP camps, but this year, we decided to do something different. We thought about the inmates who are often forgotten and resolved to visit them.

“So today, we came here, not with empty hands, of course, but with toiletries such as toothpaste, bathing soaps, sponges, eye gel and bathroom slippers for the inmates, and we also facilitated the release of six of them by paying their fines.

“Our message is simply to give them hope that tomorrow will be better,” he said.

While congratulating Nigerians on the 65th independence anniversary, Mr Oladokun also urged every citizen to use the occasion to adopt a positive attitude towards the country, stressing that everyone had a role to play in nation-building.

Similarly, a former Chairman of the association, Godfrey Osuobeni, advised the inmates not to see their stay at the centre as the end of life.

Mr Osuobeni stated, “You are here not because you are the worst sinners but for correction. See the situation as an opportunity to amend your ways. Everything will be all right after you leave, and you will become better citizens.”

In the same vein, Public Relations Officer of the association, Ugo Uyanna, said the outreach was part of its annual corporate social responsibility.

He stated, “Every October 1st, we reach out to vulnerable groups. Last year, we visited the Defence Medical Centre, Mogadishu Barracks; two years ago, an IDP camp; and three years ago, a Motherless Babies Home. Going forward, we plan to do more for female inmates and contribute to facilities like the chapel that is within our capacity, of course.”

Meanwhile, an official of the custodial centre, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak, cautioned the released inmates against returning to crime, warning that the centre would not be lenient if they returned.

(NAN)